[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 77905-77906]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-32196]



[[Page 77903]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 7635--Wright Brothers Day, 2002
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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 77905]]

                Proclamation 7635 of December 16, 2002

                
Wright Brothers Day, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America



                Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have 
                contributed to important technological breakthroughs 
                that have improved the quality of life for countless 
                individuals. On December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, 
                North Carolina, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the 
                first successfully sustained and controlled flight with 
                a heavier-than-air, engine-powered aircraft. In the 99 
                years since that revolutionary event, mankind has flown 
                across oceans, broken the sound barrier, launched 
                satellites, and landed on the moon. On Wright Brothers 
                Day, we celebrate the vision and determination of these 
                innovators whose remarkable achievements changed the 
                world forever.

                The first successful powered flight on the morning of 
                December 17, 1903, lasted only 12 seconds and spanned 
                approximately 120 feet; but the Wright brothers' ideas 
                and design led to countless advances in aviation. 
                Between 1899 and 1905, they constructed a total of 
                seven aircraft, and through this extensive research and 
                experimentation, Orville and Wilbur Wright established 
                the foundation of modern aeronautics.

                The airplane has played a critical role in improving 
                our national defense, our economy, and our Nation. It 
                has enabled trade to thrive, strengthened our economic 
                security, and fostered friendship and goodwill 
                throughout the world. Today, Americans rely on 
                airplanes to deliver emergency treatment to the sick or 
                injured, bring families together, and link us to every 
                corner of the globe.

                The United States remains committed to supporting 
                progress in technology that secures air travel, 
                enhances our national defense, and ensures the success 
                and prosperity of our country. Inspired by the 
                extraordinary accomplishments of the Wright brothers, 
                our Nation will continue to explore new ideas, improve 
                technology, and work for a brighter future for all.

                The Congress, by a joint resolution approved December 
                17, 1963 (77 Stat. 402; 36 U.S.C. 143) as amended, has 
                designated December 17 of each year as ``Wright 
                Brothers Day'' and has authorized and requested the 
                President to issue annually a proclamation inviting the 
                people of the United States to observe that day with 
                appropriate ceremonies and activities.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 
                17, 2002, as Wright Brothers Day. Through their courage 
                and willingness to take risks, the Wright brothers 
                reflect the true American character.

[[Page 77906]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-32196
Filed 12-18-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P